Wiki Weapon Project Dreams of Creating a Functional Print-it-Yourself Firearm
The group known as Defense Distributed has a three-fold mission plan: 1) Create the world’s first 100% 3D printable gun, 2) Adapt the design down to cheaper 3D printers and 3) Become The Web’s Printable Gun Wiki Redoubt. What does that mean? It means they want their project to result in a scenario where you can download formatted CAD blueprint files, feed them into a 3-D printer (see “additive manufacturing”) and end up with a firearm.
Sound like science fiction? Having visions of a Star Trek-esque replicator device? The idea isn’t quite so far-fetched. The use of 3-D printing for rapid prototyping has exploded over the past decade and, as the technology continues to mature, costs continue to fall. This could make the prospect of a D.I.Y print-at-home firearm a reality before you think.
One example of how this idea could come to fruition is the printable AR15 lower receiver by Michael Guslick. Although the majority of the complete firearm’s parts are existing off-the-shelf parts, the lower receiver Continue reading
Rob Pincus Remembers Crossbreed Hosters Founder Mark Craighead
Personal defense and shooting instructor Rob Pincus shares fond memories and his thoughts on the loss of a friend, Mark Craighead, founder of Crossbreed Holsters:
My good friend and industry Leader, Mark Craighead passed away today. Mark owned & operated Crossbreed Holsters with his family and friends. I received the news today from the family and they asked me to pass on their thanks for the thoughts of the firearms community and their assurance that things would continue as expected at Crossbreed. We have lost a great asset today.
Mark quickly became a leader in the industry as his incredibly innovative Crossbreed Holster design and company quickly become respected for quality and function. He and I worked together on many projects over the last few years and have had the pleasure of hearing from many of his customers in my courses who greatly appreciate his efforts and his company’s efforts to meet their needs. Mark would often ask me what people were saying about the products and how they held up in class and he was always very proud to hear the great reports. He was also very eager to find ways to better serve his customers, the firearms community and the industry as a whole.
Approximately 3 weeks ago, Mark had a heart attack after a successful outpatient surgical procedure and had a very bad few days. We all believed that he had come through it and was on the road to full recovery. Earlier today, he had another massive heart attack and we lost him.
Outside of work, which he very much enjoyed, Mark was both a dedicated family man and a bit of an adventurer. One of his biggest hobbies was motor sports. He had some very impressive vehicles that he enjoyed driving/riding when time allowed. He even ran his beloved Lingenfelter Cadillac CTS-V in the Cannonball Run last year and had planned to try the Vegas to Reno Desert Race in 2013.
One thing that truly stood out about Mark was his commitment to friends and family. As Crossbreed Holsters grew, he continued to bring more and more of both into the operations to share in his success and in fulfilling his commitment to excellence. I have yet to meet anyone in the industry who had a bad word to speak of him and doubt sincerely that I ever will.
Rest In Peace, Brother.
-Rob Pincus
-8/24/12
Unlikely Federal Agencies Creating Large Ammo Stockpiles?
Amidst efforts led by Senate democrats to limit ammunition sales to citizens, some unlikely federal agencies have recently been soliciting bids for huge quantities of ammunition. Coupled with other recent solicitations for items like quantities of riot gear and bullet-proof checkpoint booths, some are wondering if the feds are gearing up for some sort of anticipated domestic troubles.
In one solicitation the NOAA’s National Weather Service solicited a bid for 46,000 rounds of 180 grain JHB .40 S&W ammunition to be delivered to various locations including Maine, Massachusetts, Florida and New Jersey – whose NJSA 2C:39-3f(1) limits citizens’ possession of such ammunition with the following language:
Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum-dum bullet […] is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
After word of the solicitation began making waves, it was later modified to indicate Continue reading
UN Arms Trade Treat is a Bust…For Now
The UN conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has broken down and will not be submitting a draft of treaty to member nations and ABC News says “some diplomats and supporters blamed the United States for the unraveling of the monthlong negotiating conference.” Good job, United States! Amnesty International USA executive directory Suzanne Nossel was quoted: “This was stunning cowardice by the Obama administration, which at the last minute did an about-face and scuttled progress toward a global arms treaty.”
Always one to toot their own horns, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was quick to release an article, subtly entitled “NRA Stops U.N. Arms Trade Treaty.” While the gun rights lobbying group no doubt played a part in working against the measure, taking credit for the breakdown of the negotiations seems like a bit of a stretch given the hard work and grass-roots efforts of many gun rights organizations and individuals who helped spread the word, contacted representatives and did other behind-the-scenes work to protect American sovereignty when it comes to governing firearms.
This small victory, however, is certainly not cause to stop being vigilant when it comes to protecting gun rights. Conference chariman, Ambassador Roberto Garcia Moritan, a supporter of the treaty, said “we certainly are going to have a treaty in 2012.” This comes on the heels of several democratic senators attempting to slip gun control measures (S.A. 2575) into a cybersecurity bill that would make illegal the transfer or possession of ammunition feeding devices which hold more than 10 rounds. In case you couldn’t guess the list of “usual suspects” behind this measure, they include Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
If you’re already involved in organizations and activities to support your second amendment rights, keep up the great work. If not, there’s no time like the present to get started. Check out this link for a good starting point or visit the GunLink forums.
Firearms Industry Shopping Comparison Engine Addresses Changes in Search Policies
GunSpec’s Search and Shopping Comparison Engine
Dedicated Entirely to Firearms Industry Increases Capabilities for Retailers
KINGSTON, NY (July 2012) – GunSpec, a shopping comparison site for the firearms industry, has stepped up its commitment to providing online services for retailers and firearms enthusiasts in light of recent changes of policy by one of the largest search engines in the world.
Through the new policy, firearms retailers must comply with the rules that include pay-for-position and the elimination of any products that appear on the list of prohibited products to include “guns, ammunition and knives.” Aware of the serious implications for retailers, GunSpec is currently developing new programs that will allow displaced retailers to set their own budgets, bid on search product placement and provide them with additional brand exposure for their stores.
“We are committed to working with Continue reading
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES
ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record Part I – Over-the-Counter (Form 4473) has been revised. This letter highlights the changes to the form. You should review the entire revised form including all of the Important Notices, Instructions to Transferee/Buyer, Instructions to Transferor/Seller, and Definitions.
All Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) must begin using this form on July 9, 2012 (not earlier). After that date, you may no longer use the previous edition (August 2008) of the Form 4473 as it will be obsolete.
The changes to Form 4473 include the following: Continue reading
